Tuesday 14 / October / 2025
Muscat: The National Risk Register unveiled its community version during a ceremony at the Royal Academy of Management (RAM) today under the patronage of Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health.
The new version identifies potential risks across natural disasters, service disruptions, health emergencies, and major accidents while clarifying governmental roles and public awareness responsibilities.
In his address, Mohammed bin Said Al Balushi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information and Head of the Register's Media Sector, emphasized that comprehensive risk management has become fundamental to sustainable development and protecting national achievements. "Global experience demonstrates that integrated risk management systems enhance institutional efficiency, mitigate crisis impacts, and strengthen national resilience," Al Balushi stated. "This represents not merely a supplementary measure but a strategic imperative for modern governance."
Al Balushi outlined Oman's longstanding commitment to risk management, dating to the 1970s, which has evolved to address contemporary challenges including climate change, economic volatility, and cybersecurity threats. The National Risk Register, developed through rigorous scientific methodology, provides authorities with a comprehensive tool for anticipating future challenges and coordinating effective responses.
The community version launch coincides with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on 13 October. "Oman seeks not only institutional preparedness but an informed, engaged citizenry understanding their vital role in national security," Al Balushi emphasized, describing the initiative as combining strategic vision with practical planning to empower residents with essential risk knowledge and foster collaborative prevention efforts.
Jalila Hamad Al Akhzami, Director of the Ministry of Information's Research and Studies Center and Assistant Media Coordinator for the Register, detailed the version's structure encompassing 13 principal risks categorized across four domains: natural hazards, service disruptions, health emergencies, and major accidents.
She added that the Register's launch builds upon a solid foundation of deeply rooted national experience. This includes Imam Al-Salt bin Malik's response to the widespread floods that swept the nation in 865 CE, the proactive measures taken by Sultan Faisal bin Turki against epidemics reaching the Omani coasts in 1897, and most recently the impact of Masirah Cyclone in 1977, which formed the nucleus of the national institutional framework for responding to emergencies. "Our current integrated emergency management framework, spearheaded by the National Committee for Emergency Management, reflects Oman's conviction that true readiness stems from proactive planning and collective awareness rather than reactive measures," she noted.
The Register's methodology prioritizes prevention, with studies indicating that each dollar invested in risk reduction saves fifteen dollars in post-disaster recovery costs while preserving irreplaceable human lives. Strategically, the platform supports Oman Vision 2040 implementation by providing predictive analytics and risk intelligence for emerging challenges over the coming two decades.
The community version of Oman's National Risk Register represents a vital component in mitigating potential threats to public safety and national infrastructure, according to Major Mukhtar bin Juma Al Alawi, Assistant Head of the National Center for Emergency Management. He emphasized that the register provides citizens with essential emergency protocols and response procedures, significantly strengthening national risk reduction capabilities.
Saif bin Ali Al Yarubi, Managing Editor of Oman News Agency (ONA) and Media Coordinator for the National Risk Register, noted the version's launch coincides with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction observed annually on 13 October. "Oman's comprehensive risk management framework has established clear foresight capabilities and enhanced coordination between government institutions and relevant sectors," Al Yarubi stated.
The community initiative extends this strategic approach by cultivating risk management awareness throughout society while strengthening national resilience through implementation of optimal precautionary measures. Designed with accessibility in mind, the version employs simplified presentation formats to engage all demographic segments through multiple channels including the Ministry of Information's media portal, Government Communication Center accounts and the social media platforms of the National Committee for Emergency Management.
The launch ceremony featured visual presentations demonstrating the National Risk Register's operational framework and highlighted institutional collaboration strengthening Oman's early warning systems. The community version is publicly accessible through the Ministry of Information's official portal at: https://www.omaninfo.om/ar/library/74/show/12021
The launch ceremony gathered senior government officials, risk management specialists, and representatives from key national sectors involved in the Register's development and implementation.
The community version of Oman's National Risk Register represents a cornerstone initiative reflecting the nation's deep commitment to comprehensive, forward-looking risk management. This scientifically-grounded approach combines technical knowledge with public participation, representing a strategic move to integrate all community segments into national protection systems. The initiative reflects Oman's fundamental conviction that public awareness forms the essential foundation for prevention, while national preparedness constitutes a shared responsibility between government and citizens.
